BGS Art Show 2019 - Aurum

The 2019 BGS Art Show will mark the 50th staging of the annual event. ‘Aurum’ is a fitting theme, meaning gold in Latin, symbolising the 50-year anniversary milestone.

Works are organised into three categories for the show: paintings and photography, sculpture and pottery, and jewellery. The show will be opened by Judith Bell, former member of the BGS Board of Trustees and long-time supporter and collector of art. She has had a distinguished career in education, including 10 years as a member of the Senate of The University of Queensland.

This year, guest artists have been selected to represent each area. Anne-Marie Zanetti and Colley Whisson, two vastly different artists, will represent painting; Ben Hodges ’90 will represent jewellery; and Lincoln Austin will represent sculpture. In addition to the guest artists, Aurum will have pieces for sale from more than 60 invited artists, both professional and emerging.

Hodges attended art college before establishing himself in the jewellery business. His striking wearable art designs combine brightly coloured gems with the noble metals of silver, platinum and gold.

A move to London saw Hodges apprentice with high-end jewellers in Hatton Garden. Here he perfected his craft before moving to London’s Mayfair in the West End, where he was involved with creating jewellery for Boodles, Cartier, Harrods and Webb. It was during this period that Hodges helped create a ring for Ringo Starr of The Beatles.

Hodges has handcrafted in diamond, titanium and solid 18 carat white gold, an intricate pair of BGS cufflinks. Valued at $10,000, the design bears the School crest and is available to bid on via an online auction.

Today, Hodges showcases his significant experience in Brisbane, working at the upmarket Hardy Brothers store. He has won multiple jewellery awards for his designs.

Austin was born in South Australia but today lives and works in Ipswich.

His work investigates the blurred boundaries between ideal and physical realities, using geometry, pattern, systems and repetition.

His works vary greatly in scale and process. Austin’s large public art works include Once Again at Santos Place. He is collected by the Queensland Art Gallery and has been an Artist-in- Residence at the Museum of Brisbane.

Zanetti is a self-styled, award-winning Australian artist. Her photorealist paintings feature dramatic use of rich, luminous colours and intricate details. She aims to illuminate the preciousness of objects and moments in time through her work.

Whisson was born and raised in Brisbane in semi-rural surrounds and his work demonstrates a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors. He is well known as an impressionist painter, aiming to distort and abstract an image as much as possible, while maintaining a realistic image. An author and teacher, Whisson leads painting workshops worldwide through his YouTube channel.